The Washington Capitals had to clarify Alex Ovechkin’s future with the team after a mistaken email was sent to season ticket holders indicating that the 2025-26 season would be Ovechkin’s last in the NHL. The Capitals quickly stated on social media that no final decisions about Ovechkin’s career beyond next season have been made, attributing the erroneous email to personnel in their corporate sales department.
Ovechkin, who has expressed his intent to play in the upcoming season, recently surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal-scoring record. Despite suffering a leg injury mid-season, he still managed to score 44 goals, the third-highest in the league, helping the Capitals secure the top playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. Though he netted five goals during the playoffs, his team was defeated by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round.
At 39, Ovechkin has had a legendary career spanning two decades with the Capitals. He has won the NHL goal-scoring title nine times, including seven times from 2013 to 2020, and helped lead the team to its first Stanley Cup victory in 2018. Ovechkin now holds the NHL career goal record with 897 goals, surpassing Gretzky’s long-standing mark, and ranks 11th on the all-time points list.
Fan Take: This news highlights the ongoing legacy of one of hockey’s greatest players and keeps fans eagerly anticipating his next moves. Ovechkin’s career longevity and record-breaking achievements continue to inspire new generations and elevate the sport’s popularity worldwide.